Breast Lift Surgery

A woman’s breasts tend to change over time in ways that may be perceived as unsatisfactory. The breasts may lose their youthful shape and firmness because of pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight fluctuations, or even hereditary issues. Women who are unhappy with the appearance of their sagging and misshapen breasts may choose to undergo a breast lift. Also called mastopexy, breast lift surgery raises, reshapes, and firms the breasts by tightening the tissues and removing excess skin. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by improving your breast profile so that it appears more youthful and uplifted. This procedure is highly individualized and can help women with a variety of concerns about their breasts.

What Do You Desire?

Enhanced Breast Shape and Firmness

Some women’s breasts lose shape, volume, and firmness. In addition to becoming deflated, they may become pendulous, flattened, and elongated. Breast lift surgery reshapes and tightens the breast tissues to eliminate excess, stretched skin. The procedure leads to rounder, firmer breasts that are more lifted and youthful.

A More Youthful and Balanced Breast Profile

Some women’s breasts have a pronounced degree of sagging that gives them a matronly appearance. A woman’s breasts can also sag with differing degrees of severity, creating an asymmetrical bust line. Breast lift surgery removes excess tissue and improves breast placement to create a more youthful and balanced breast profile.

Improved Nipple Position

Some women’s nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease. This usually happens in conjunction with marked breast sagging and can negatively affect a woman’s self-image. Breast lift surgery can reposition and resize the nipple-areolar complex to restore a more natural and pleasing appearance to the breasts.

Breast Lift Incision Techniques

The periareolar lift incision goes around the areola.
First, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is administered according to Dr. Cohn’s recommendations. After the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Cohn will make the periareolar incision pattern around the areolas. He will then lift and reshape the underlying tissues to improve breast contour and firmness. He may also reposition the nipple-areolar complex to a more natural, youthful height and remove excess areolar skin at the perimeter. Dr. Cohn may also remove excess breast skin, after which he will use sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape to close the incisions.

Lollipop Lift

The lollipop lift incision goes around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease.
First, general anesthesia or intravenous sedation is administered as recommended by Dr. Cohn. Once the anesthesia has taken hold, Dr. Cohn will make the lollipop incision pattern around the areolas and on the breasts. Next, he will lift and reshape the breast tissues to improve their contour and firmness. He will also relocate and resize the nipple-areolar complex to improve its appearance. Dr. Cohn will remove excess skin and tighten the breasts to improve their firmness and position. Finally, he will close the incisions using sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesive.

Anchor Lift

The anchor lift incision goes around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the breast crease.
First, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is administered as recommended by Dr. Cohn. Once it has taken effect, Dr. Cohn will make the anchor lift incision pattern on the breasts. Through the incisions, Dr. Cohn will lift and reshape the underlying tissues to enhance breast firmness and contour. Next, he will relocate the nipple-areolar complex to a more attractive position and excise skin at the perimeter to correct enlarged areolas. Dr. Cohn will also tighten the breasts and remove excess breast skin to compensate for a loss of elasticity. He will then close the incisions with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape.

Concerns

Dr. Cohn will hold a thorough one-on-one consultation with you before your procedure.
This consultation is where you will discuss why you want a breast lift, your medical history, any personal or family history of breast cancer, results of any mammograms or previous biopsies, any drug allergies, and your use of medications, supplements, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Dr. Cohn will perform a physical examination and take detailed measurements, noting any breast asymmetry or individual physical traits that should be addressed during your procedure. He will also take photographs for your medical record, after which he will recommend a course of treatment and discuss your options for anesthesia, where your procedure will be performed, and any potential risks. During this consultation, Dr. Cohn will be happy to help you see what your anticipated final appearance might look like and guide you through the decision-making process to achieve your personal goals.

Recovery

Your recovery experience will depend on the surgical technique used and your body’s ability to heal.
You will need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect after breast lift surgery. Patients need to limit their activities for several days and avoid exercise for several weeks. Soreness and swelling are common for a few weeks following the procedure. Avoid excessive motion or force to the incisions as they heal. Dr. Cohn will give you specific instructions on caring for your breasts and incisions, taking medication, and taking steps to reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Cohn will let you know when to resume normal activities and exercise. Should you have any questions, please feel free to discuss them openly with Dr. Cohn and his staff.

Scars

Surgical incisions are likely to leave some amount of scarring.
Dr. Cohn takes great care when placing the incisions to avoid conspicuous scarring. Nonetheless, the amount of scarring is most dependent on how well the body heals, and this can vary from person to person. Any scarring that forms will most likely fade over time.

Pain

General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is administered before your procedure to prevent you from experiencing any pain during the surgery.
While soreness and discomfort may persist during the first few weeks of recovery, oral pain medications can alleviate discomfort and ease your recovery.

Testimonials

24 Aug 2016

I have more confidence and no longer worry about my self image. It was everything I hoped it would be. I love Dr. Cohn and his staff, they are truly amazing. I felt at complete ease throughout the whole process. Cannot wait for my next surgery.

Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts. In some cases, it may make them appear slightly smaller due to the removal of excess tissue. If you wish for your breasts to look fuller, consider combining your breast lift with augmentation surgery.

The appropriate surgical technique for you will be determined based on the following factors:

Breast size and shape

Size and position of your areolas

Degree of breast sagging

Skin quality and elasticity

Amount of excess skin

Most often, the periareolar lift is reserved for patients with mild sagging. The lollipop lift and anchor lift are typically more appropriate for women with moderate to severe breast sagging who also need removal of excess skin and relocation of the nipple-areolar complexes.

Dr. Cohn may ask you to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, receive a new medication prescription, adjust your current medications, get a baseline mammogram, and/or stop smoking in preparation for your procedure. He will also ask you to avoid taking any anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements prior to surgery because they can increase bleeding. Other special instructions will be given to you to help you prepare and plan for your surgery as well as your postoperative care and follow-up appointments.

The cost of your breast lift includes the surgeon’s fees, hospital or facility fees, the cost of anesthesia, medication prescriptions, post-surgical garments, and medical tests. Cohn Plastic Surgery financing plans are freely available for patients who would like to learn more.

After your procedure, your breasts will continue to age normally. Even so, your results can be long lasting. Your breasts will be most likely to retain their youthful contour and shape if you avoid weight gain and pregnancy after your breast lift.

If you are dissatisfied with the shape and position of your breasts, you may want to consider breast lift surgery. However, if you are planning on becoming pregnant in the future, it may be wise to postpone your surgery until after your last pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause your breast skin to re-stretch, offsetting the results of your breast lift surgery. You may also have increased risk of difficulty breastfeeding after a breast lift. Dr. Cohn will discuss these details with you during your consultation to help you determine the timing for your breast lift procedure.